Old-time and bluegrass music have some of their roots in Scots-Irish folk music, and once again the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park brings that story home during our annual St. Patrick’s Day Bash, scheduled for Saturday, March 14, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. This year’s musical performer, The Wild Blue Yonder Band, combines Appalachian folk, alt-country with a dash of Carter Family, gospel and Celtic music to create their own particular sound.

Whether playing a lively reel or a haunting Scottish Folk song, Wild Blue Yonder’s love of Celtic music shines through every note. All three members boast a bit of Irish or Scottish ancestry, which lends an authenticity and richness to their Celtic sound.

Melissa Wade, Philip Coward and Cindy Wallace have been playing together for almost 20 years, with  fiddle, mandolin, banjo and guitar being their instruments of choice. Hailing from East Tennessee and western North Carolina, Wild Blue Yonder has appeared numerous times in Knoxville and at the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center in Townsend, Tennessee. The band will have an assortment of their CDs for sale at the Bash, including “Bolt Out of the Blue” and “Above and Beyond.”  

Along with the “new” performance by Wild Blue Yonder Band, the bash will feature favorite dishes from past years. The park is very fortunate to have some excellent chefs on staff and in our Friends group who delight in preparing traditional foods for the event. The buffet menu will feature delicious open-faced mini Reuben sandwiches; although invented in New York City by a German deli owner, these sandwiches are associated with Ireland through their use of corned beef, sauerkraut and rye bread. Colcannon, a traditional mashed potato dish with colorful kale, will also be available, as will our homemade hot pepper jelly biscuits, Irish beer cheese and sausage links. Save room for dessert – oatcakes and chocolate Irish crème trifle are annual favorites, among other culinary delights.

Although beer is usually associated with the Irish, there is a rich history of Irish winemakers in the United States dating back to the mid-19th century. Here in coal country, we’re lucky to have MountainRose Vineyards on hand to provide wine tastings and to sell individual glasses as well as bottles to take home.

Sharing the stories, sounds and tastes of Southwest Virginia is part of our mission at the park, and exhibits and programs throughout the year help us accomplish that. Tickets for this festive evening are only $20 (wine sold separately) and all proceeds go to the Friends of the Southwest Virginia Museum. This is the event’s ninth year and sells out early, so make your reservations soon. All ages are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required for this event. Payment deadline is Friday, March 6.

May your glass be ever full
May the roof over your head be always strong
And may you be in heaven
Half an hour before the devil knows you're dead.

                                    -- Traditional Irish toast

For more information or to reserve your tickets, please call (276) 523-1322.